Catnip | Nepeta cataria
Traditionally used as a calming herb, Catnip soothes digestion, relieves cramping, and eases colic. It also helps reduce anxiety, promotes sleep, and supports overall relaxation.
Benefits & Uses
Digestive Aid: Relieves stomachaches, intestinal cramps, and diarrhea.
Colic Relief: Known for easing colic in infants (indirectly via nursing mothers).
Nervine: Calms the nervous system, easing anxiety and tension.
Sleep Support: Promotes restful sleep and relaxation.
Anti-inflammatory: Reduces gut and muscle inflammation.
Diaphoretic: Encourages gentle sweating to aid fever management.
Form & Dosage
Tea/Infusion: Commonly brewed from dried leaves and flowers for digestive and calming support.
Tincture/Extract: Used in concentrated liquid form; follow practitioner or label guidelines.
Poultice/Compress: Crushed fresh leaves applied externally for minor irritations or cramps.
Parts Used
Leaves and flowering tops.
Precautions
Pregnancy: Avoid internal use; catnip may stimulate uterine contractions.
Infants: Do not give directly to infants—effects observed indirectly through nursing mothers.
Sedation: May cause drowsiness; avoid combining with alcohol or sedative medications.
Allergic Reactions: Rare, but possible in sensitive individuals.
For more detailed information about the different ways to take herbs, consider taking a course at the HomeGrown Herbalist Online School of Botanical Medicine.
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